humanity participates in nature
❝Humanity participates in nature
in all cosmic events,
and is inwardly
as well as
outwardly
interwoven with them.❞
RICHARD WILHELM
Chinese concept of Tao
painting a spark for the universe
This painting has given me a rare opportunity to contemplate ideas about the origin of the universe, and how each of us is connected. to it all. Opportunities to explore the intrinsic value of women, and indigenous peoples and the importance of culture expressed in all arts and traditions expanded my thinking.
Portrait/Thomas Berry, 6’ x 4’ oil on linen / Thomas Berry Place
How awesome!
This painting has given me a rare opportunity to contemplate thoughts about the origin of the universe, and how each of us is connected to the stars that shine there. Exploring the intrinsic importance of women, indigenous peoples and of the cultural power of arts and traditions.
My commission was to create a portrait of Thomas Berry for the Thomas Berry Place. a reimagined monastery in Jamaica Plains near St.John’s University.
I researched his writings and spoke to those who knew him well. As I immersing myself ln his life with quotes, videos and photos I began these sketches to access his inner sparking coax it onto the my sketchbooks and then large papers! The finished portrait is here, but you can seethe prep studies on Instagram!
Claiming his chosen roles as cultural historian, ecologist and Passionist priest,Thomas Berry pursued these objectives consistently throughout his life!
So exciting to find that portrait greeting employees, visitors and participants as they enter the lobby!
I look forward to your thoughts and questions with enthusiasm!
Love to hear your thoughts! I will even tell you why I included the mycelium, white lilies and a red oak tree!
how to find beauty in everydayness.
When you are fortunate to have delicious fresh vegetables, they also become a feast for the eyes !
Sometimes in the midst of all of the daily requirements, deadlines and headlines I sometimes miss giving thanks for having delicious fresh food to eat.
So when I can make time to paint them before they wilt, I do. And if I remember I take a photo with my cell phone for reference. So at this time of transition to less daylight and the fact that we still have some access to the freshness, I share this thought with you.
Painting , writing , speaking about this imparts us with gratefulness for the abundance of our earth.
After all, we are its caretakers.
Just leave your email below to receive more beautiful everydayness in your inbox!
zucchini + radicchio/ #975/ watercolor/ 12 x 12” framed/ $350 beth vendryes williams
Re-imagine your life as a work of art!
This past year or so has been challenging for us all. We have been living our lives in ways most of us never imagined! There is more global negativity and less in-person communication. In many cases, we have re-ordered our personal priorities.
And so have I!
I have spent a lot of time prioritizing what I could do to make a difference. I finally realized that I already had the answer inside me. So because you are in my private list, I want to share it with you.
I am finally offering a live and online journal workshop.
All you need is:
✔️📖a blank journal, creative thinking skills and a few portable supplies!
✔️🙃All are welcome, no previous experience needed.
✔️😎You can do this from wherever you are, in 30 minutes a day.
✔️😊Meet with me directly and with a small friendly group.
✔️😍In 8 weeks you will leave with at least one completed journal handcrafted with images and writings of your thoughts, ideas, goals, moments, inspirations, memories!
The material of your life, seen from the perspective of creating, is your "work" of art!
"Unsure that you had enough to write or draw about?"
"Don't think you have enough time?"
"Have never been able to keep a journal consistently?"
I've been there! All of that and more!
Limited Enrollment. First come first serve!
Interested? Just tap here …⤴️
behind the scenes…inspired by books, artists & creative process
sketch baby onions 2020
onions 2021 bvw
baby onions 2021 vw
Inspiration begins with the every day happenings and is inspired by reading, looking and creative risk-taking.
Currently Reading…
- “The Creative Habit” by Twyla Tharp ( re-reading)
- “Eliminating Chaos”, by Laura Leist (practical ideas/ organizing)
- “Underland” by Robert MacFarland (reading over time}
Looking at artists…
J. M. W. Turner …for his energetic paintings of stormy waters and crashing waves
Yayoi Kusama.. for her ability to evoke spiritual connections with the grief of others by immersing the viewer in an exhibit that uses mirrored reflections to underscore the fact that we are all in this together. It’s personal!
Yayoi Kusama Chandelier of Grief (mirrored room)
creating now - “in-process”…
-✔️ Sketching & painting watercolors of” fresh from the CSA” vegetables! at Orkestai Farm
make art. transform life..
❤️ beth
How to find time & place to create
I did not have a studio. But I did have three adorable, active little boys in those days and my dear husband, who worked two jobs to make ends meet. I began working full time when the youngest was 6yrs old. The journals became a portable studio, so I could find time to sustain my practice regularly.
Seven years ago, I had to move the "30 or so" journals off the shelves in the office area, out to my now" working studio."After jogging five roundtrips with armfuls of those books from the house, I realized there were over 140 journals! Stunned, I piled them in unruly stacks on my extensive work table.
What on earth would I do with all of these?
Shortly afterward, a curator from the local history museum visited my studio for a possible show in his gallery. He looked at my work and then inquired,
"But, what are all these books tumbling over your work area?"
I responded that they were just journals that I had kept over the past 34 years, and I had no idea what to do with them.
I had never had time to look at them.
When I mentioned I might just get rid of them, he emphatically, insisted that the work
"These are primary source materials, and you need to keep them!"
He did offer me a show, insisting that I reference the journals.
I doubted him, but I took the chance!
When we installed the exhibit, I asked a friend to help me find one journal sketch for every piece of hanging art. Karen and I went through the journals expecting to have a difficult time. Instead, we were able to identify many more that related to my work than I needed. Within 15 minutes, we identified a journal image for each installed artwork.
We copied them on translucent adhesive and made a unique point of reference underneath each painting on display! The show was a success and included a long table where gallery visitors could look through the books!
What did I learn from this?
When you feel the need to create, make it happen! It could be a harbinger of later success!
Where there is a barrier, use creative thinking tools to keep moving.
Listen carefully when a person you respect offers insight.
Follow your instincts.
Believe in yourself and take action.
How To Sustain Creative Thinking In This Liminal Time
H
From my journal 2019 Notre- Dame burning, April 15,2019 ©beth vendryes williams
When I recently heard the word" liminal" to describe this time of a fast-moving world pandemic, intersected by the tragic racially charged murder of George Floyd by a police officer, I felt sad and a little untethered. Converge this with national and then worldwide protests for justice for all, and Black Lives Matter I had to find the exact definition. How could one word encapsulate the whole experience of the past four months?
Here it is from the New Oxford American Dictionary:
“ lim·i·nal | ˈlimənl | adjective technical
1 relating to a transitional or initial stage of a process.
2 occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold”
Now the word "liminal" makes sense as to me. It describes how we may feel because we don't know how our lives will change. With many of our regular routines and comforts no longer a given, do you feel like these transitions are reshaping your life?
There is fear in that, but also an opening to new possibilities.
While in this portal of unknowing, taking time to reflect can help you to find your roots. . It can also help you to tap into your hidden strengths, ideas, and dreams!
Writing your reflections and thoughts down can develop your train of thought further. Creating images can articulate your inner voice from a visceral, visual perspective. Combining these two ways of communicating allows you to try out ways of creatively working with the past, the present, and new ideas and situations.
For this reason, I am a passionate advocate of journaling. Meditation helps me, as does living in the now moment!
moving, ,yoga, walking, dancing, riding horses, playing with pets
reading ,listening, sharing, giving, praying
speaking with friends, growing a garden
creating, art, weaving, knitting ,quilting,
looking at clouds, water, ,gardens
listening to music, making music
listening to birds, singing, babies laughing, rain,
writing, a book, or a letter.
Leaving room for the soul will allow you to listen to your inner voice.
So pick up the habit of journaling along with a few other practices that encourage reflection. In that way, you can begin to process the grief of loss and fear of change and transform it into a new way of working, living, and creating!
How have you navigated the dramatic changes in our current times and the understanding that what each person does, affects the whole world?.
Be well.
love,
beth
💚Making time to reflect in the studio
Once a ramshackle garage, I am grateful for its transformation a few years ago into a haven for painting!
In process piece from “imprint “series ink on acetate. bvw
Since the last time I spoke with you, life, as we have experienced it, has changed. I offer solace, hope, and prayers for you. I am finding a lot to think about as I work in my little studio.
It is also the result of “sheltering in place,” I believe. Repeatedly walking in the same footsteps each day can be challenging, as it is a bit repetitive. Yet, it can also offer a chance for my vision to see beauty and truth in things that I had previously taken for granted. And so I persevere, waking up at 5 am, meditating, sometimes yoga, a little breakfast, and then into the studio! Like anything else, this takes daily practice! I have yet to get entirely consistent, but it takes about 40 days to make a change of habit.
I did have trouble focusing when the COVID-19 emergencies were at their height in the NYC/Long Island area. The pain in the air was palpable. To answer your question, “Yes, I am creating in my studio, now !”
The series, called ”imprints,” has been very much about light and dark inky shadows. It is a commission piece for music soon to be released by Justin Morgan Williams called “vendryes imprints.” when finished, they will be hand-printed Dan Welden in the environmentally-conscious process of Solarplate printing. I also continue my work on “seeking refuge series” in mixed media of watercolor and collage. Being in the studio regularly has infused my work with serenity and focus. In the future, there is also a solo show on the books for this fall and a soon to be announced online workshop class.
But I will fill you in on that and more next time! I would love to hear what your are finding helpful during this liminal, unpredictable time! Text, email me from my site or leave a message on Instagram!
I wish you sunny skies and wellness, peace, and hope!
We are all in this together!
Warmly,
beth
What mark can we leave on others crossing our Path?
bridge to siberia ISeries/ MPRINTS
Know that my heartfelt prayers to all who are suffering from the virus. And my sincere gratitude and prayers to all who are helping those who are sick and dying. May you find peace in your compassionate, loving care.
Through your new and altered perspective, you observe things you never noticed before.
Suddenly, the skies are quiet.
The birds are singing you awake. Traffic is a memory, and your schedule is what you make it.
And, yes, there is time.
CLICK HERE FOR A PERSONAL MESSAGE from me
I thought it might be a small gift to share with you a series I am working on, based on recently composed music called ” imprints.”
The instrumental music ”explores the mark that people leave on you throughout life.” Thinking about that concept of “making a mark,” that can stay and shape the course of another soul’s journey is compelling!
Suddenly you can realize the power of giving, sharing, and listening to each person with whom you interact.
Exactly. The reason I make my marks and brushstrokes is to share with you the beauty and truth that I often observe as I live my day.
I am so grateful to be able to share this work as it evolves from the beginning. I will share the music with you when I complete the series!
Keep well. Believe. Hope.
Love,
Beth
How Your Daily Life Can Inspire Creative Vision
Journal October 2019 @Musée D’ Orsay ©beth vendryes williams
I discovered that in my life.
Here I sit, with my laptop on a crisp autumn Saturday morning watching the sun warm the trees as the leaves begin to turn. It is a glorious moment to savor and drink in the fresh air! My thoughts go to the blessings of being creative.
Every day, I practice the process of making art out of my life.
Do you want to know why?
I discovered this way of working while I was teaching art to 600 students a week over 20 years.
As you can well imagine, not all of them cared about painting and drawing. But every student loved discovering a new experience, recognizing beauty, making a difference by making a mark that could be seen, and communicate with others.
So, I focused on reading about the creative process in tandem with raising our three sons, painting & drawing. Through that research of writings by scientists, researchers, dancers, yogis, philosophers, and writers, I learned more about the process of creating, no matter what the materials.
I began to observe the ways I used my creativity in my daily life. Imagination is needed in every part of the day, which extends way beyond merely making a product marketed as art. In fact, the process of creative thinking can result in making your life itself into a work of art!
My biggest challenge was finding time and space to work.
Check back with me next Thursday to find out what I did!
Empower Your Energy, Begin To Make A Dream Real!
“October is a fine and dangerous season in America. It is dry and cool
and the land is wild with red and gold and crimson,
and all the lassitudes of August have seeped out of your blood,
and you are full of ambition. It is a wonderful time to begin anything at all.”
– Thomas Merton, The Seven Storey Mountain
©beth vendryes williams Paris in October
I would love to know what project you would work on.
I will be sharing the way journaling shaped my future life! Watch for more next week!
Sharing the crisp energetic air!
beth
How To Gently Embrace Your Core Spirit Each Day
dancing radishes watercolor 9” x9” 2019
Finding room in life to accommodate your essential spirit is a difficult task these days. There is so much to distract from focusing on our reason for being. I often find myself struggling to focus on hearing the voice of my inner spirit, reminding me gently to take the time to share the love and embrace beauty.
Distractions that demand our attention are rampant and can be overwhelming.
When I choose to embrace the role of technology and media, as merely a tool, I find that it is easier to hear my inner voice. without letting the process overtake my integral goals.
I get the closest to harnessing the energies of my soul by engaging daily in meditating, being present in the now moment and making marks through my work as an artist. In this way, my drawings/paintings can become physical evidence of the spirit within.
How do you handle our ever-increasing technology? Are you able to sustain your unique voice?. How do you make the time and find the space to do that? II would so love to hear your thoughts about this! Please comment below or visit my Instagram site!
The Truth About Daring To Forgive Self & Surge Forward
Have you ever gotten lost in the details of your life?
You know what your overarching goals are, but can’t see to catch up with yourself?
Yes, that’s where I am.
And now, I am taking a good look at what I have done over the past few months, and have begun to reorganize my thoughts and actions to reflect and listen to my inner voice.
My first instinct is to allow more quality time for meditation. I am also beginning a new journal, with words & images to help me to rediscover and stay true to my personal journey….
Then I realized you may be interested in following this process of rebuilding.
So, if you dare, follow me for a series of short posts as I use my journalling to get back in sync with my deepest yearnings and goals.
I begin now, with forgiving myself and moving forward today.
Follow me here… if you dare!
3 Life Lessons Transforming Obstacles Into Opportunities
f
A little story about persistence
I loved painting, drawing from when I was three. In high school, I did not get the best artist award. I knew I was one of the top artists, so I wanted to find out why. I found a moment to speak with the art teacher. She answered me sincerely and kindly, saying that it was not about my work, but she felt I wasn’t persistent enough. When I left her, I was distraught but decided never to let that happen again!
Lesson #1 What I learned, was that in life, Don’t take your creativity for granted! Nurture it.
Why I love to make things:
Through creating art, I express my thoughts and ideas. After realizing how much I so enjoyed making things, I pursued art and art education in undergrad and graduate school.
Life changed …
as I got married to a scientist who loved that I was an artist ( Not everyone likes that you have a passion!). We had three boys, and from the beginning, I had to make time to do art. I felt I had no time to work on it. Did I let that stop me? No!
Lesson #2 Solve a problem by turning it into an opportunity.
I used a large free zippered bag and put watercolor pencils/crayons, a water pen, a glue stick, a little piece of fabric and my favorite pen, pencil, eraser and a small/ medium journal. Anytime I was waiting for someone to get out of school or at a concert or game, I sketched. I never had the time to go through the journals until I had to move them off their shelves when we did some construction, four years ago. I thought I had 30. I had 130 journals!
I loved teaching art!
Yes, it took time away from making art but gave me a window into reading about creativity.
I began to teach as if teaching was a work of art! (And it is!) Intellectual growth became a priority in my teaching art. I researched the creative process and art history so I could provide my 600 elementary students with creative thinking tools! There are many excellent books on creativity, the best of which I have listed on the handout postcard
My favorite way of sequencing the creative process gleaned from a book called “Sparks of Genius” by Michelle and Robert Root-Bernstein. They were a writer and a scientist, interested in how the world’s most creative people, think.
They interviewed people from all disciplines..such as science, math, writing, engineering, architecture, philosophy since the goal was to reintegrate knowledge and imagination across all disciplines
So here are the 13 thinking tools of the world’s most creative people;
You can easily begin to use these thinking skills by just Observing the images, sounds around you.
I often envisioned having entire days to do my artwork.
Uhmm Not really.
To sell/share my work, I need to do marketing, social media, make sales, prepare exhibits, workshops, exercise, volunteer, and visiting family, and friends. I am now re-learning to prioritize by blocking out my painting and journaling as priorities. I am transforming what seemed to be less in terms of quantity of time, into a new way to be inspired and share my work with others. Last year I had five exhibits!
Lesson #3 Create art from your heart from the material of your life. It feeds your spirit, body, and soul.
I honor the artist in you!
If you have any questions or want to say hi, you may reach me on my website. Artists need to stay in touch with each other.
How journaling can help develop and sustain a creative habit
A bouquet from the YFCA spring gala watercolor & ink, 6.6.19
Hope is in the air! Now that spring is officially here. I sat myself down with a cup of tea and my daily journal.
For the past several days I have felt unable to put anything down in writing or drawing.
Has that ever happened to you? There is a world in us, and it is vital to open the windows. To take time to rest and wait.
Keeping a journal has had a massive effect on my life
…and surprisingly, It wasn’t until I stopped teaching art to paint full time, that I realized that my small daily efforts had produced tangible results.
My strategy was this: I would always keep a journal and a small zipped bag of my favorite portable drawing tools in my pocketbook. I carried this with me at all times. I wrote and drew what I saw and felt, whenever I had a moment.
I ended up counting over 130 journals documenting my life and my growing family. I recorded places, people and events.
Expressing my struggles and celebrations in words and images
helps me to reflect on life. My only expectation? To make a mark that articulates my vision and reactions to the world!
What a treasure this has turned out to be!
Now I need to adapt my journaling method to my life as it stands now. Read my next few posts as I explore alternative ways of approaching journaling now that the previous system isn’t working as effectively.
Do you keep a journal? If so how has it helped you?
Do you find that you forget to adapt your habits as your life changes?
Let me know in your comments below.
Rediscover beauty and love, today
Trees-sketch-clouds ( Autentico 2019) watercolor, graphite, collage 9” x 9” by beth vendryes williams
Do you sometimes feel weighted down by events on the personal or world stage?
Sometimes I forget that each morning when I awake, I can choose to look at the the world and my place in it, from a fresh perspective. beth vendryes williams
This morning, shaking off the detritus from the day before, I make myself a cup of water with sliced lemon, giving thanks for clean water and lemons. Then I make a cup of green tea, thankful to have that luxury.
Looking up, I suddenly observe winter trees tracing their lines on the cloudy soft patches floating in a cerulean blue sky.
Aha, so this is what I want to share with you today!
On this day celebrating love for each other, let’s take the time to observe and honor the clarity and beauty in our world and the people in it. I know you can do it!
After all, we are all in this together.
I am thankful for you, your support and for your interest in beauty and creativity.
Here is my gift for you, today. You can see more on my instagram which you can link to and see most of this series on the process page of my blog
Sending you much love.! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Announcing: Uplifting Cloudscapes Right Here In Oyster Bay!
let the clouds in 953 Solarplate etching, 22’ x 30” beth vendryes williams
From now through December 15th, when you get your coffee/tea at Southdown, you can also gaze into the clouds!
It is there that Oyster Bay Gallery (at Southdown Coffee), just installed a delightful collection of seven Solarplate etchings that I created last year and printed with at the studio with Master Printer, Dan Welden and his assistant, Andrea Baatz.
Once there you have a unique opportunity to rediscover your imagination as the coffee rejuvenates you. If you prefer tea, try their delicious selection.
The clouds are etching prints made using water, sunshine and water-based ink, to be more environmentally sustainable.
Clouds never fail to fascinate! Seriously, they genuinely are magnificent ever-changing sculptures that appear as gifts for our imaginations and our water.
Speaking of gifts, being able to look at a cloud every day is an excellent gift to yourself or a loved one! A glance at it is as calming as a vacation, every day!
What can you see in the clouds? Tell me on Facebook and Instagram or in a comment below!
How to focus on inner goals when distractions crush you
Fist sketch in my current journal, researching with my meandering lines and experimenting with placement and color.. 2018
I am up early writing again because I had thoughts spilling out of my head.
New ideas are building on the scaffolding of this current exhibit. They are beginning to appear in my consciousness. Focus!
Yes, I know how it feels to have my focus fractured by outside stimuli! What helps me is to relax.
In fact, as I tap out these words, I am sipping a tall glass of water with fresh lime and lemon slices. Relaxing.
I also find that it is important to look at something that I love. So I surround myself with quiet, images and views that I love. Many times these are relaxing, and they also can invite critical thinking. This fuels my work.
For these reasons and more, I invite you to see my current exhibit.
The exhibit that “we” opened on Sunday at the Shelter Rock Gallery of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation is incredible! Standing in the middle of my marks made on paper and canvas I engage in conversation and thoughts generated by the images and the lookers, is both humbling and energizing!
There is a myth that artists mainly work alone.
But I have not been working alone. All of your helping hands and interested and generous artists, collectors and friends, have made this quality and amount f work displayed in this lovely venue, possible!
I am thrilled to offer this opportunity to you view this exhibit in person in Manhasset through October 23rd! Just contact me or call (516) 472-2933 to make an appointment with Elaine to see the Gallery. If you are not able to get there and would like to view the complete “seeking refuge series” just tap this link to see it all together!
I love to hear your responses and answer your many questions about my concepts, materials and how to own your favorites to inspire you each day. Just contact me here !
I am excitedly filling my journal with my new barely formed visual ideas! Keep up with my process on Instagram and Facebook in between newsletters!
Find Hope About Seeking Refuge In The World
I am up early writing again, because I had thoughts spilling out of my head. I am recovering from installing the culmination of creating the art pieces for this freshly installed exhibit.
As I tap out these words, I am sipping a tall glass of water with fresh lime and lemon slices. Relaxing,
The exhibit that “we” opened on Sunday at the Shelter Rock Gallery of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation is awesome!
Standing in the middle of my marks made on paper and canvas I am engaged in conversation and thoughts with the viewers. It is both humbling and energizing!
I say we because it is so true! There is a myth out there about the solitary artist, but I could not have done this without the help of my team of supportive artists, collectors, and friends, Matt & Ashley, for their tech & marketing guidance,Ann Balderston-Glynn, videographer. I also thank my three wonderful sons who edit, advise and keep me laughing, and of course, my very dear husband, Allen who has makes it his mission to help me get the work out there!
You will want to see the whole exhibit, so call 516-627-6560 or 516-472-2933 to find out when the room is available n the day you want to go. It is occasionally used for events. If you want to see what is there, here is the link!
Think. What Happened When Your Ancestors Sought Refuge?
We are all in this together (detail of panel 1) of triptych) oil painting beth vendryes williams
Enjoy the last days of summer!
For me, I am back to “seeking refuge”! Yes, I keep returning to this theme because we all need to find our refuge in this world. Sometimes it is walking and meditating. Also, for me it is in making art!
I became aware of this way of seeking refuge because of my family stories...
The oldest of seven children, I grew up with our parents loving the fact that we were part Jamaican, English, French, and Sicilian. I knew I was related to Michael Manley, former president of Jamaica, through a common great grandmother. My Dad and his parents emigrated from Kingston, Jamaica to the United States. Eventually we discovered and met our French cousins, who are descendants of the Vendryes relatives who decided to remain in France seven generations ago.
Both of my Mom’s parents bravely emigrated, separately, from Sicily when they were 17 and 25 yeas old. They first met in Sicily and then got married in Little Italy, NYC.
We all keep in touch!
Through my family origins, the borders of my world expanded ...
...so that I always perceived being part of a much bigger world than the United States. According to a DNA testing I am 5% West African, a fact that is also supported by family lore and cousins. I thrive in the possibilities of communicating and connecting with people from all different parts of the world..
When I read and see people trying to immigrate to the United States, I am happy for them, because without that, I know I would not be here. In the USA there is an opportunity to be free and to have a voice and a vote in who represents us. It is far from perfect, but it gives us the possibility of living in a government that protects the individual’s rights to freedom.
Immigrants must be vetted, of course. They also must be treated with compassion. For we are all related to one another in some way. We are all human beings. We are all, body and spirit, living in this world, together.
I was inspired to explore some of that innate knowledge by creating a visual story. That has been a journey in itself., for me. Yes, That is my Grandpa Henry and my Dad and his brother on either side, shortly after they emigrated from Jamaica.
I would love to hear your story! Tell me in your comment or instagram!
Check out the events link to make sure you get to my solo exhibit and reception on Sunday, September 23rd. Currently, Fresh fruit & vegetable watercolors ar exhibiting at Autentico Restaurant. Come on in and have a look and have an espresso or coffee!